ICD-10 Code C74.9 – Malignant neoplasm of unspecified part of adrenal gland (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C74.9 – Malignant neoplasm of unspecified part of adrenal gland
What it is
This code identifies a malignant tumor arising in the adrenal gland when the exact adrenal site is not documented. Use it when the record confirms cancer of the adrenal gland but does not specify cortex, medulla, or another part.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Patients may present with an adrenal mass, abdominal or flank pain, or findings related to hormone excess if the tumor is functional.
When to use this code
Use C74.9 when the provider documents malignant neoplasm of the adrenal gland and no more specific adrenal site is available in the chart. It also fits cases where imaging, pathology, or operative notes confirm adrenal malignancy but do not localize the tumor further. Check documentation if laterality or specific adrenal region is stated elsewhere.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for benign adrenal tumors, adrenal hyperfunction without malignancy, or metastatic disease to the adrenal gland from another primary site. If the primary cancer is elsewhere, code the primary malignancy instead.
Coding tip
Look for pathology, operative, and oncology notes before assigning C74.9, because a more specific adrenal code may be supported.